Pollution blamed for huge fish kill in Cork

Pollution appears to be the cause of a major fish kill on a river outside Cork City over the weekend. About 700 fish were killed over a 2km stretch of the Curraheen River, near the municipal park known as Murphy’s Farm.

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) said yesterday initial investigations “indicate pollution as the cause of mortality”.

Mick Finn, an Independent Cork City councillor said the fishkill was very upsetting for those who came upon it. The river is boarded by a popular walkway and is also home to sports facilities.

“It was very distressing for people who saw it. There were hundreds of dead fish. I went out there to have a look and a whole stretch of river was full of upturned fish.”

Mr Finn said he was concerned if pollution was the cause, it could potentially compromise the quality of water in the River Lee because Curraheen River is one of its tributaries.

He said the area in question was popular with walkers and people fishing. The kill had created a stench on a least one night over the weekend, he said. IFI said its environmental officers had responded immediately when notified of the kill and launched an investigation.

A spokesperson said while salmon, brown trout and sea trout numbered among the dead fish, brown trout were predominant. The spokesperson said IFI officers spent Saturday at the site removing the dead fish.

Mr Finn said he had notified gardaí, Cork City Council and Irish Water.